Loading…
We use essential cookies (authentication, your saved goals/stack) by default. With your permission we’ll also enable privacy-respecting analytics (Vercel Web Analytics, anonymous load-time metrics) and error-replay diagnostics (Sentry — DOM snapshots only when an error fires) so we can fix bugs faster. Learn more about cookies
Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Selenium vs Stinging Nettle Root: Selenium has the stronger overall evidence (6.5 vs 5.5/10); they're alternatives for healthy aging — the best pick depends on your goals. Take the 60-second quiz for a pick tailored to your goals.
Selenium wins 2 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Likely helps
21 of 28 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Likely helps
7 of 7 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Shared outcomes (1)
Outcomes where both Selenium and Stinging Nettle Root have evidence — compare verdict strength side-by-side.
100-200mcg
With food
Selenomethionine (best absorbed)
300-600mg root extract
With meals, Split into 2-3 doses
Standardized root extract
and 1 more not shown
4-8 weeks
4-8 weeks
4-8 weeks
4-8 weeks
Selenium, antioxidants, cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
The American journal of clinical nutrition (2020) · Meta analysis · n=9423
However, a decreased risk with antioxidant mixtures was seen for CVD mortality when selenium was part of the mix (RR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.62, 0.97; P = 0.02), with no association when selenium was absent.
Selenium for preventing cancer
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2018) · Meta analysis · n=27232
For analyses of RCTs with low risk of bias, the summary risk ratio (RR) for any cancer incidence was 1.01 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.93 to 1.10; 3 studies, 19,475 participants; high-certainty evidence).
Selenium and prostate cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis
The American journal of clinical nutrition (2012) · Meta analysis · n=13254
Three high-quality studies included in the meta-analysis of toenail selenium and cancer risk indicated a reduction in prostate cancer risk (estimated RR: 0.29; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.61) with a toenail selenium concentration between 0.85 and 0.94 μg/g.
The effect of nettle (Urtica dioica) supplementation on the glycemic control of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Phytotherapy research : PTR (2020) · Meta analysis · n=401
⚠️ NOT THE ROOT INDICATION. This entry is Urtica dioica ROOT, whose evidence base is BPH and lower urinary tract symptoms; this study is about glycemic control in type 2 diabetes. The abstract does not state which part of the plant was used. Read it as species-level context, not as root evidence.
Dietary Plants for the Prevention and Management of Kidney Stones: Preclinical and Clinical Evidence and Molecular Mechanisms
International journal of molecular sciences (2018) · Review
⚠️ NOT THE ROOT INDICATION. This entry is Urtica dioica ROOT, whose evidence base is BPH and lower urinary tract symptoms; this study is about kidney-stone prevention. The paper describes a LEAF/aerial preparation. Read it as species-level context, not as root evidence.
Plant food supplements with anti-inflammatory properties: a systematic review (II)
Critical reviews in food science and nutrition (2013) · Systematic review
⚠️ NOT THE ROOT INDICATION. This entry is Urtica dioica ROOT, whose evidence base is BPH and lower urinary tract symptoms; this study is about anti-inflammatory effects. The abstract does not state which part of the plant was used. Read it as species-level context, not as root evidence.
Based on Cochrane systematic review showing moderate-certainty evidence for TPO antibody reduction. Effects on thyroid hormone levels (TSH, T4, T3) were inconsistent across studies.
Based on multiple RCTs showing IPSS improvements in BPH patients. Most studies used combination formulations with saw palmetto. Effect magnitude conservative due to mixed study designs and combination treatments.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Selenium has a higher evidence score (6.5/10 vs 5.5/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
For healthy aging, Stinging Nettle Root has a higher relevance score (80 vs 65).
No known interactions between Selenium and Stinging Nettle Root have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.
The right pick depends on your goals. Answer a few quick questions for a personalised recommendation — or dig into the full evidence on each.